My hands are tied is a very useful expression, which means that you have no freedom to act in any other way. The thing that you are doing or are about to do is your only option.
This expression may be used as a way of preventing attempted negotiation or argumentation – if your hands are tied, then there is no point in someone challenging the situation because there is no other option available.
Using this expression may also suggest that you would like to act in as different way, but are unable to do so.
As in the three dictations, it is common to pair this expression with some kind of apologetic phrase, such as ‘I’m afraid (that)…’ or ‘I’m sorry but…’.
Have a go at these micro-dictation exercises to hear this expression being used in context – how much can you understand?
Accent: Ireland
80%
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, .
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I wish a larger , but my .
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I wish I offer a larger , but I’m my hands are .
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About the sentence
…I wish I could…
The structure I wish + past is used to make wishes/express regrets about the present. e.g. I wish I could help you, but I’m just too busy at the moment.
Accent: Australia
80%
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, .
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I’m regulations require at least 5 experience, so .
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I’m afraid regulations require applicants have at least 5 of experience, so my are tied.
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About the sentence
…our regulations require applicants to have…
Notice the useful verb pattern to require someone to do something. In many cases, the passive form to be required to do something would be more natural, e.g. Applicants are required to have at least 5 years of experience…
Accent: Scotland
80%
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. .
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tied I’m . I’ve but to .
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My are tied I’m . I’ve got choice but to you go.
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About the sentence
…I’ve got no choice but to let you go…
to have no choice but to do something is a more formal way of saying that something is your only option or choice. e.g. Given the circumstances, we have no choice but to pull out of the deal.
to let sb go is an alternative way of saying to fire sb. e.g. The company had to let most of their staff go after the financial crash.
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